Twitter // Bainser
Loading tweets...
Showing 14 posts tagged shoes
Valentines // Unusual Gift // Converse
Ok, ok, so I swore I wouldn’t do this I really really tried. I’m desperately avoiding posting about Valentine’s day. Why? Well for a start I may be married but I don’t really do Valentine’s day anyway. I am the worlds worst romantic, genuinely rubbish, the first time I brought my husband to Pont des Arts in Paris (all be it accidentally) I regaled him on the beautiful story of lovers locking a padlock to the bridge to seal their love. He looked at me wondering at what point I would reveal our lock. Needless to say I didn’t. Yes I am that bad a romantic! But this, this caught my eye. This managed to fight through my cynicism about the Hallmark day. What it is it?
Personalised Kicks!
Offspring at Selfridges is offering a one off opportunity when you buy a new pair of Chuck Taylor All Stars, to get them personalised. Not only that but custimisation experts will be on hand to make sure you get it right.
You know for all that us fashion folk harp on about sky high heels I can guarantee come day 3 of fashion week, the most common piece of footwear on editors soles is rarely Louboutins or Choos, but Cons, (at least until it’s time to hit the parties).
If you are going to do Valentine’s day, always always be original and always think about the person you’re buying for. Being individual and thoughtful is worth far more to true love than any clichéd trinket. The graphics cost from £15 for one side, so aren’t expensive, and with 200 different options to chose from you’ll def be on to a winner. So even a completely feckless romantic like me could score well on hallmark day!
Jimmy Choo // AW12 // P*rno Camo
If you’ve even the most passing interest in menswear, and you checked out the photos of Pitti then the explosion of camo as a trend can not have escaped your attention. Now I don’t know what it is about the current economic woes or more that seems to be making editors and tastemakers flock to this, but I’m loving it. Is it a desire to hide away? Or perhaps an attempt to butch it up and tough it all out like a brave little soldier? Who knows?
Jimmy Choo for Autumn Winter is certainly embracing it, with Bond-esque pinup silhouettes in varying shades of olive, and chocolate making a print that is likely to get you noticed. It covers shoes, bags, wallets and scarves. I love it!
But what of the rest of the collection? Well every range has grown or been tweaked. With core ranges evolving and shapes being nudged a bit more rounded here, a tassel removed there, it’s without a doubt still an exciting range before you even get into any kind of naked lady camouflage. With printed ponyskin, mixes of flannels and fabrics, and more I really loved the collection.
Now I wont lie to you and say I’d buy it all, frankly there is no way I would have the nerve to attempt the Jimi Hendrix inspired python looks. This isn’t that I don’t love them, far from it, I’m just not brave enough. You however should be. No really you should, the boots are fantastic!
I am a complete lover of quality craftsmanship and having felt the suede on the below shoe I’m in love! I also adore how is coloured on the inside and therefore the seams. Brilliant way of adding a flash of bright to a winter look.
There is of course more, so much more to the range, trainers, biker boots (also having major wants for these!) bags (the lust level goes without saying on these). The fact the lovely ladies at Jimmy Choo furnished me with coffee on a freezing Milano day did nothing to dissuade me of course, but I really can not wait for these to drop in store. And as for the scarf well it’s been a long time a naked lady was drapped around my neck if I’m honest but for Jimmy I’ll make an exception.
High-res
This mornings advertorial want. Emiling Shoes #menswear #shoes #fashion (Taken with instagram)
Ask Bainser // Shoes // Brown but not Brogues!
Dilemma: I’ve taken to wearing dark jeans and smart shirt/pullover to work. Finding nice shoes to match is a bit of an issue. I like the idea of brogues - but a lot of them are very ‘grandad’, with big, clunky soles. The bright, orangey tan colour can also be a turnoff. And finding a nice, slim pair (rather than big and clownish) is also a challenge!
Apart from brogues, is there another style I should look at? Subtle enough to wear with a navy suit would also be a plus…
Budget: €150-170(ish)
Thanks
Jack
Hi Jack
Ok I’ll admit I’m not too up to speed on the state of show shopping back at home so had to do a spot of googling to check what stores are now in Dublin. I’ll be honest I was a bit impressed. Clearly places like the Dundrum shopping centre are bringing in new stores despite erm, well lets just acknowledge the economic situation at home isn’t exactly rosie and move on.
One of my favourite shops at the moment is Aldo. Their shoes are good quality, fashion lead, and not stupidly priced. Obviously Office and Schuh are ever present, but for this task I’d certainly give Schuh a miss. I’m not really enamoured with their formal range at the moment. Timberlands, yes, trainers, yes but formalwear not so much.
Right lets start with Aldo. For some reason their site wont let me check out € prices. But the two I’ve picked are brand new in store and should definitely fulfil the brief. The price here is £100 so I’m guessing it’ll be approx €150. 
On the left we have the DECOST, I like how it’s a little distressed but should polish up well. The toe isn’t too square, which I can’t stand. It also isn’t too pointed which might make the shoe too dressy for the office. On the right we have the GUNBALD, this clearly stays away from looking too orange. It’s a burgundy/oxblood shoe and I think would look great with deep indigo jeans. Again I like how it is gently distressed without looking overly worn.
I am a huge fan of Mr Hare’s shoes and would love to be able to afford them, thankfully he’s done a collaboration with Topman (again I don’t know if they’ll be available at home sorry) I also these are black and you’ve specifically asked for brown shoes, but never mind that. These are the least dressy ones, I personally really want the patent and suede version, but recommending those would really be ignoring the brief. 
I also thought BT2 would be a good place to look, but frankly their website is rubbish! As is Brown Thomas’ so I have no idea who they stock, what price ranges they are at or even if they are worth looking at. I’m guessing they will be and while you’re on Grafton St you can always nip into the Bailey for a pint.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Nick
Ask Bainser & Bainser.com has not received any incentive for recommending these products they are just a marker of my own taste.
Swear London // The10Space // Truman Brewery Party
This weeks been great, super productive in work getting ready to kick start Autumn Winter 2012. So to be honest the lack lustre weather has been helping get my brain in the right creative mood. But the highlight so far was most definitely the launch of Swear Londons 10th anniversary pop up space (shop just doesn’t feel right for this creative little place) at the Truman Brewery just off Brick Lane. Swear through collaborations and their own ingenuity have had an amazing track record over the last 10 years which is lovingly showcased here.
As well as the brands history and innovation the Spring Summer collection is of course available along with t-shirts magazines and more. I particualry loved the illustrations by Amie Howarth.
The party itself was undeinably a success, and despite arriving a smidge late (thanks to a distracting beverage with the lovely Mssrs Hugh Wright and Anders White), I arrived just in time to grab what may well have been the very last Kopperberg. It’s always a good sign when the bar runs dry, it’s clearly a succesful party. Though the bar should obviously be replenished as soon as possible. The trendy and lovely people were clearly to enamoured with the shoes and great beats from DJs Horatio and more, to care as the place was still jumping when I left.
But enough about that, check out the shoes. If I had more opportunity to distract the crowd I would’ve been tempted to liberate quite a few. Especially the blue suede and leather high tops! Gorgeous. Not to mention the white brogue/trainer lovelies.
#firstandforever // Dr Marten’s // New Advertising Campaign
Everyone remembers their first pair of Dr Marten’s, well everyone except me. You see to my shame I’ve never owned a pair. Yes, yes I know, how I’ve managed to get to 30 without owning a pair is beyond me too. Please don’t judge. I said don’t judge. When you spend the vast majority of your life either in school or mucking about on boats Dr Marten’s as fantastic as they may be aren’t so practical. That and well to be honest, I never really bought into the brand, I certainly wasn’t part of your stereotypical Dr Marten customer. This is however about to change. Dr Marten’s new campaign is all about you. Your firsts, first heartbreak, first love, first tattoo, first rave and naturally your first Dr Marten’s. #firstandforever is all about you, your friends and your memories.
The website guides you through not just your first, but everyone elses. Lets you shop online and see the brilliant new products in all their glory. It’s clearly been well thought through as its easy to navigate and to be honest quite fun to get involved with.
With Agyness Deyn and Ash as the faces of the campaign, Dr Marten’s are staying true to their status as an iconic British brand. They are someone you can trust, someone you know, and someone you can share your firsts with. It’s not just about the shoes, as wicked as they are, it’s much more.
Lucky enough to see the launch of this campaign, which happened simultaneously in New York and London, I also got to see the Autumn Winter collection. If you’ve never before bit the bullet and bought a pair of Dr Martens now is the time to change your mind and of course if you do, share your story. The traditional greats are obviously still there, but new texture’s like ponyskin and oilslick are also being introduced, and they look fantastic.
Also being launched are some fantastic accessories including these schoolboy satchels which have catapulted themselves to the top of my wishlist! They come in a huge range of colours from traditional browns, and oxbloods to white, pink and combinations of all the above.
What are my firsts? Well headover to #firstandforever and see if you can find them. I’ve so far shared my first tattoo, first gig and first festival. If you want to know more just ask. Oh and once I get my first pair of Dr Marten’s I’ll be sharing that too.
The launch itself took place in the very lovely Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch, which I will most definitely be heading back to. Cocktails and popcorn as you watch your film is possibly one of the most genius ideas I have ever heard of.
Suits you sir, but it really shouldn’t!
I was born in 1980, the years of Duran Duran were soon to approach and like all fashion concious pre-teens I knew what was right and what was wrong. Or so I thought. Espadrilles were in, they were amazing! Hawaii 5-0, pure genius! So simple, so clever. A scrap of canvas and a length of old rope. What more could you ask for.
Well quiet a lot actually, for every man that looked remotely sunkissed or as though he actually had danced on the sand with Rio there were many more that never got passed Luton and a Campari & Soda. So quite rightly espadrilles went the way of Don Johnsons career and faded into obscurity.
Until now!
Look at this gentleman. His suit is brilliantly tailored, the long sleeve v neck t-shirt underneath gives a splash of colour and on his feet yep, espadrilles. Had I not seen the photo for myself I would not believe menswear was ready for this shoes return. But all fashion is cyclical even menswear, and return these shoes must.
Fashion may be cyclical but it draws inspiration and rarely copies directly. That’s why this guy looks fresh. No sign of 1980s pastel tones here. No massive shoulder pads. No boxy double-breasted jackets or turned up sleeves. This is modern menswear. It’s clean, simple and that’s why he looks fresh.
Keep that in mind when borrowing from the past, make it new and relevant and then you’ll be far ahead in the menswear game.
Pair your suit with some espadrilles this spring.
(via urbanemenswear)
Love! Love! Love!
I’m fast running out of organs to flog on the black market, but I must have these. Wonder how much I can get for a little toe?
Gieves, Buckshot Brogues.
(via thestylebuff)
High-res
Through all the doom and gloom of the winter months, one thing has kept me going. An every burgeoning boot fetish. Its becoming more than a little bit of an obsession. Trouble is Winter only lasts so long and well….oh like I care how long winter really lasts. You can never have too many shoes or boots. EVER!
So having established this, can I get them please?? Look how practical they are in the snow! Which am sure we’ll be getting more of soon.
D.S. Dundee. Rock and roll.
High-res
I’ll be honest the gilet, jumper and shirt are nice but not mind blowing. Sure they’ll keep you warm which is nice but its not setting my world on fire.
The shoes however. Get them for me now!! I’ve seen every possible incarnation of deck shoe, from canvas, to lurid colour combos. But this is rocking. I love it when people revamp a classic in a simple way to make it something completely different.
Now just to hunt down where these are from and stage a smash and grab!
UPDATE:
Thanks to Tommy V these are Polo Ranger Boots.
Very nice indeed!
As you can see from the image above and the brand new pair below. These boots clearly on get better with age. Unfortunately no sign during a ten minute google of a UK stockist. It the States they retail at $125-199 dollars, depending on what site you go to. Unfortunately all appear out of stock! Boo!
Kept it pretty warm and casual today with the flurries and all.
Quite simply a failure for these to be delivered to my home or office is a crime.
To be honest I am definitely still all over the big boot thing, like gravy on a Sunday Roast. But I think the need to be even bigger. Having said that I will obviously accept these with great courtesy from whoever sends them my way.
Or these….you could send me these too.
(via basicsofman)
High-res
Feeling For ⦠Fancy Footwork - T Magazine Blog - NYTimes.com#more-65001
Right I love these shoes!! Utterly fantastic and I have yet to see anything like this on the high street. If someone in the know could see to send me a pair I would be most grateful.
Dubarry boots
Yesterdays recommendation from the amazing Fantastic Man blog, which has great and individual recommendations everyday.
In this inclement weather however, these boots are a genius buy. Not only do they look great but they are completely waterproof and will last years. Having grown up sailing in Ireland, and being mates with Ross O’Carroll Kelly loike (90s Dublin School in joke) Dubarry shoes in all shapes and sizes were massive.
These boots however stand head and shoulders above the crowd, not are the practically indestructible but also look great. Perfect not just for walking but also for getting on and off boats and looking good in the pub that evening with a nice hot whiskey. Congrats to Fantastic Man for spotting this brilliant Irish company and recommending them to the world.
